Police recover fisherman’s body from Rifle River

11/1/13

MOFFATT TWP. — The body of a man who did not return from an Oct. 31 fishing trip was found dead of an apparent drowning Nov. 1.

A press release from Arenac County Undersheriff Don McIntyre said Steven Joseph Janiski, 61, of Alger, went fishing in the Rifle River off of Campfire Trail in Moffatt Township Oct. 31. Residents of the home where Janiski parked his vehicle before heading out onto the river reported during the evening Oct. 31 that Janiski had not yet returned from his fishing trip.

McIntyre told the Independent Monday, Nov. 4 that Janiski has fished in that area several times in the past.

“He’s frequented that spot on Campfire Trail,” he said. “He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.”

McIntyre said Sheriff’s Department personnel and Michigan Conservation Officers conducted a search during the night, but were unable to find Janiski in the dark. The search resumed in the morning Nov. 1, and Janiski’s body was discovered around noon approximately three miles south of the residence where he parked his truck.

Sheriff James Mosciski said an autopsy was performed Sunday, Nov. 3, and that the sheriff’s department is awaiting the results.